Threats to Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz… Intelligence Warnings and International Moves to Protect Oil Routes

CBS News reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have detected indications that Iran may be preparing to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical strategic waterways for global trade and oil transport.

According to the network, recent intelligence reports point to possible Iranian preparations to plant mines in the strait using small boats, each capable of carrying two to three mines. Unconfirmed estimates suggest that Iran’s stockpile of naval mines ranges between 2,000 and 6,000, including Iranian-made mines as well as others from Chinese and Russian sources.

In a related development, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, announced that the United States had carried out strikes targeting Iranian vessels and facilities suspected of being used for mine-laying operations, confirming that efforts are ongoing to locate and destroy these capabilities.

These developments have already impacted maritime traffic in the strait. Data from the United Nations shows that traffic through the waterway has dropped by 97 percent since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran on February 28. Several oil producers have also halted pumping operations after storage facilities reached capacity.

For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would provide protection for oil tankers in the region and instructed the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to offer insurance and guarantees to shipping companies.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that several European countries, along with India and other Asian states, are considering launching a joint maritime mission to safeguard navigation, noting that its implementation would likely depend on the end of the current conflict.